Status of Diggs, Newman up in the air vs. Lions

In an interview with the Vikings flagship station, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he is unsure of whether receiver Stefon Diggs or corner Terence Newman will play on Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

On Tuesday, both safeties Andrew Sendejo and Harrison Smith missed practice, but Zimmer said he expects them to play.

Corner Captain Munnerlyn has been dinged up as well, missing most of the last game against Detroit with an ankle injury, but the Vikings’ head coach expects him in the lineup as well.

The last time Diggs missed a game was against the Houston Texans. The Vikings used Adam Thielen to great success in that matchup as he gained 127 yards on seven catches including a 34-yard touchdown.

An injury may also open the door for Laquon Treadwell, who made his first career catch against Detroit but was forced to miss the Washington game with an injury, then played only six snaps against Arizona. Treadwell said after the catch against Detroit that he finally “felt like part of the team” and that it could provide a spark for his career. This may be the week for him to show that.

However, the last time Diggs was out, the Vikings turned to Jarius Wright instead of Treadwell and he grabbed four passes in the Vikings win over Houston.

While the Vikings filled Diggs’ spot admirably against Houston, he would be a big loss for the offense. The former fifth-round pick has emerged as a top receiver in the NFL this year with 67 catches.